A number of club patrons, including Sky Sports News presenter Charlie Webster and Beautiful South frontman Paul Heaton, stood down from their roles during the saga.

The national outcry to not give Evans a second chance resulted in United not opting to re-sign him, and he has since failed to agree terms with any other club.

The club made no mention of the row when revealing their decision to rename the away end at Bramall Lane, but expressed their desire to maintain a relationship with Ennis-Hill.

Opposition: Ennis hit out at the Blades when they were considering re-signing Evans

The club’s managing director, Mal Brannigan, said:

“The introduction of Redbrik as the new Bramall Lane stand naming rights partner sees the name of the city’s most famous Olympian replaced, three years after the club honoured Jess Ennis-Hill’s achievement at London 2012.

“We have started discussions with Jess and her team as to how she continues to be recognised by the club going forward befitting of her achievements and our hopes for her in Rio 2016.”

Ennis-Hill said she had been honoured to have her name on the stand, and that she understood the club's decision to take it off and replace it with that of a sponsor.

She said: “It was a real honour to have had the Bramall Lane stand named after me in 2012 in recognition of my Olympic achievements.

"However, I completely understand the need for Sheffield United to recognise the valuable contributions of its sponsors and want to wish the club and the team all the best for the forthcoming season.”